Recently there was an article in the newspaper about restaurants that charge the wait staff the credit card fees on the tips they get on credit cards. This happens where I work, and it is an ever growing practice. The restraunteers say they can not absorb the fees of paying the charge on the amount of the fee the tip incurs. That is a bunch of hogwash. If they can’t absorb them, how is the waitperson supposed to? The waiters and waitresess work for about 3 bucks an hour. The tips are what carry them. And then to have to return an average of 3% of the tips is just plain wrong. Sadly, with the economy as it is, tips are often down from the standard 15%. I have seen tips become closer to the 10% or lower stage, and then to have to give back another 3% of that really can hurt.
As a waitperson, you have no control over how patrons pay their bill. It is to the point we are thankful they even do pay. The management has decided to accept credit cards as a service to the patron...then don’t penalize the staff for it.
As a consumer, I now always will ask if the server is charged for the fees and I will not leave a tip on a credit card. Servers work too hard to have that penalty assessed to them.
The next time you visit a service type establishment...a restaurant or even salon, ask your person if they have to pay for their tips. It will make a difference to the person working for less then minimum wage. Trust me...it does make a difference.
And if you can’t afford to leave an adequate tip (if the service warrants it) then eat at home!!!!!!
Until next time...
